Indian Butter Chickpeas (also known as Chana Makhani) is a rich and creamy vegetarian dish made with chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato and butter sauce. This flavorful dish is perfect served with rice or naan and is a great option for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Timing

Making Indian Butter Chickpeas takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat Butter and Oil: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Spices and Tomatoes

1. Add Spices: Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
2. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Chickpeas and Cream

1. Add Chickpeas: Stir in the drained chickpeas and season with salt to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
2. Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), mixing until well combined. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce is thickened and creamy.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot with rice, naan, or your favorite bread. Enjoy this rich and satisfying dish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Indian Butter Chickpeas (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	10g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	8g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Spice Level: Adjust the red chili powder to control the heat level according to your preference.
• Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with basmati rice, quinoa, or serve it with warm naan or roti for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Indian Butter Chickpeas is a flavorful and creamy dish that brings the warmth of Indian cuisine to your table. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal that everyone will love. Enjoy this delightful recipe!